Saltwater Fishing Jigging Technique : Light Jigging and Soft Jigging

 Do you want to take on a new fishing challenge?

If so, soft jigging and light jigging fishing techniques could be ideal for you!

Anglers can use this technique in both salt and fresh water, making it a versatile option.

To catch fish, many different techniques can be used; one of the most popular is jigging, which can be done with a variety of baits and lures.

Jigging is a great way to catch fish when you don't have much time because it's a simple technique to learn and very efficient. 

What exactly is jigging in fishing? Jigging is a popular technique used in fishing. It is effective for catching various types of fish, including bass, walleye, pike, and trout. Jigging involves using a weighted lure that is moved up and down in the water to simulate the movement of a baitfish. This type of fishing can be done from a boat or from shore.

It’s a fishing technique where you use bait or lure that is attached to a jighead. The jighead is then cast out into the water and retrieved in a quick motion. This action causes the bait or lure to bounce up and down in the water, which can attract fish to bite.

Difference Between Soft and Light Jigging Technique for Fishing

The soft jigging technique is where you use a soft plastic lure that is attached to a jighead. This type of lure is often used in saltwater fishing, as it can imitate the movement of baitfish very well. The light jigging technique is similar to soft jigging; however, the lure that is used is usually lighter in weight. This type of jigging is often used in freshwater fishing, as the lighter lure can be easier to control.

When Should You Switch Between Soft and Light Jigging? 

Some anglers feel that the light jigging technique is better suited for fishing smaller baits in deeper water, while others believe that the softer action of the soft rod is more conducive to successful hook sets. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you feel comfortable with.

Some of the factors you might want to consider when making your decision include the size and weight of your bait, the depth of water you’ll be fishing in, and whether or not fish are likely to be actively feeding. For example, if you’re using small live bait or finesse-style lures, you might want to opt for a soft rod. If you’re fishing in deep water or using larger baits, a light rod might be the better choice.

No matter what type of jigging technique you choose to use, make sure that you have the proper equipment and that your line is properly rigged. With a little practice, you’ll be catching fish in no time!

Can I use a spinning reel for slow jigging?

Yes, you can use a spinning reel for slow jigging. In fact, many anglers believe that a spinning reel is the best type of reel to use for this type of fishing. A spinning reel will allow you to have more control over your lure and will make it easier to keep your line tight. Additionally, a spinning reel will help to prevent your line from getting tangled.

If you are using a spinning reel for slow jigging, it is important to choose the right type of line. A braided line or a fluorocarbon line would be a good choice. These types of lines are strong and will not stretch, which is important when you are trying to feel the bite of a fish.

When slow jigging, it is important to use a rod that has a soft tip. This will help you to detect the bite of a fish and will also help to prevent your line from breaking. A rod with a soft tip will also give you more control over your lure.

Can you jig from shore?

Yes, you can absolutely jig from shore! In fact, many anglers consider jigging to be one of the most efficient and effective methods for catching fish. Whether you’re targeting panfish, walleye, trout, bass, or any other species, jigging can be an extremely productive way to fish from shore.

What size rod is best for jigging?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the jigging style, the size of fish you are targeting, and the type of water you are fishing in. A smaller rod is generally better for jigging in tight quarters, while a larger rod will provide more power for casting in open water.

Some anglers prefer a light-action rod for jigging delicate lures in shallow water, while others prefer a heavier-action rod for pounding big lures deep down in the water column. The key is to use the right tool for the job, and to always match the size of your rod to the size of your lure.

How much line do I need for jigging?

While many speed jiggers routinely fish 50- to 80-pound braid, for slow pitching we would recommend 10- to 20-pound fluorocarbon. The main reason is that you want to preserve the action of the lure as much as possible.

With a heavy braided line, you can get more distance and still maintain good contact with the bottom; however, when pitching a jig slowly, you need more sensitivity to really feel what’s going on at the end of your line. A lighter fluorocarbon line will provide this extra sensitivity while still giving you enough strength to battle larger fish.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Now that you know more about the soft and light jigging technique for fishing, you can decide if this is the right method for you. Remember to match your rod and reel to the size of your lure, and always use a line that will provide you with the sensitivity you need to feel the bite of a fish.

Salmon fishing is no longer permitted below Bonneville Dam.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon stated Thursday that the lower Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to Buoy 10 (including the Camas Slough) will close to salmon fishing starting on Friday due to Chinook salmon harvests that are running far beyond expectations.

After preliminary data revealed impacts to Lower Columbia River "tule" Chinook, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, were much higher than anticipated, fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife agreed to close salmon fishing downstream of Bonneville Dam on Thursday.

Tucker Jones, ODFW's Ocean Salmon and Columbia River Program Manager, stated, "This closure is a major matter and a decision not made lightly, but we've needed to do this to guarantee fisheries remain within their conservation limitations on these listed runs of salmon."

We are devastated to have to cease fishing before Labor Day Weekend, especially in light of the critical role that recreational angling plays in both salmon conservation and the local economies that depend on this fishery. We unfortunately have no choice but to close. But if it's feasible, we're dedicated to getting people out on the water as quickly as possible.

On August 1, the Buoy 10 fishery at the mouth of the Columbia began for mark-selective hatchery Chinook fishing. On August 25, the fishery shifted to non-mark selective fishing, with the non-mark selective section having an especially high catch rate.

An estimated 11,800 Chinook were retained in the Buoy 10 fishery from August 25 to 30, while another 3,500 were released.

According to Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River fisheries manager with WDFW, "Anglers experienced a lot of success in August fishing for Chinook near Buoy 10." Usually, these tule Chinook start leaving the region in late August, but we saw a surge in captures during the last week, and the percentage of tules captured was significantly larger than in previous years.

We unfortunately exceeded the permitted recreational effects on these lower river Chinook as a result of this.

Unlike other fall Chinook stocks that return upstream of Bonneville Dam, there is no method for updating the estimated return of tule Chinook below Bonneville Dam in-season.

Therefore, fishery managers must rely on pre-season estimates when determining how many impacts are allowed to ESA-listed populations below Bonneville Dam through the duration of the fishing season.

Even in a coho-only fishery, some Chinook are still caught and die after release,” Lothrop said. “It’s not clear if the lower river tule stock is coming in above our pre-season forecast, or if these fish are just sticking around longer than normal. Either way, we have to make sure we don’t exceed allowable impacts to this population.

Managers will keep an eye on the fisheries and flows to see whether salmon fishing could be allowed to resume later this autumn.

Sturgeon fisheries planned for later this month are unaffected, while angling for shad, walleye, and other warmwater species is still permitted under permanent limits.

The Natural Habitat: Alaska Fishing Lodge

The importance of recreation in human life cannot be overstated. The majority of people who enjoy leisure activities are anglers, who have a distinct edge over other groups that rely on the amazing animals and elements of nature for their nourishment.

Consequently, fishing's popularity has long controlled society in many places. The necessity for fishing lodges has become apparent as a result of its variety of activities, particularly in areas where fishing seems to never end.

The Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most cherished and well-known fishing lodges in the United States, out of all the lodges now accessible in the sector.

The Alaska Fishing Lodge offers a broad range of fishing activities and many hours of fishing enjoyment to ensure that all of its guests are completely satisfied.

Typically, Alaskan fishing lodges are constructed of sturdy logs to offer every angler the most comfort and convenience. It is renowned for its roomy rooms that have been imaginatively designed with the appropriate accents, creating the perfect backdrop for wilderness and fishing.

Additionally, Alaska Fishing Lodges provide goods and services that are affordable for everyone since they represent the authentic tradition of Alaska. The area is populated by individuals who, for the most part, desire to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to pay for the pleasures offered by luxury beaches and lodges because of its low rates.

The best part is that Alaska Fishing Lodges are well situated in places where the seas are teeming with various fish types. These lodges are often located where trout, northern pike, and grayling are the most common aquatic species.

Additionally, this kind of lodge has a location where king salmon are plentiful, particularly in the months of June and the early part of July. The majority of lodges also provide a range of fishing tools, including rods, gear, and lines.

With all these lovely amenities available at every Alaska Fishing Resort, this specific lodge is the best spot to enjoy fishing and the wilderness.

The pinnacle of fishing experiences is definitely staying at an Alaskan fishing lodge.

On the other hand, the majority of fishing lodges in Alaska are created to hold 16 people, and each client may benefit from individualized services.